Dr. Graber To Speak On The News

Over the years many of our Graber Orthodontics patients have told us that they have been traveling in other cities and heard Dr. Lee Graber on the radio or seen him on a health segment on a local TV show.

Dr. Graber has been a national spokesperson for the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) for many years. Founded in 1900, the AAO supports research and education leading to quality patient care and promotes increased public awareness of the need for and benefits of orthodontic treatment as well as excellent preventive practices. Orthodontists receive an additional 2-3 years of specialized education after they become a dentist…and part of their training is the diagnosis of problems that can make one more prone to injury…while another part is the prevention of problems as well as injuries.

Listen to Dr. Graber Speak on WLS-TV, Channel 7, 11 AM News, Monday, May 11th.

Good Breath Gone Bad -- Graber Orthodontics

At Graber Orthodontics, we know that bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all revealed from Graber Orthodontics:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh! Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!

Gummy Tummy -- Graber Orthodontics

We know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing from Graber Orthodontics!

Tooth Fairy from Graber Orthodontics

At Graber Orthodontics, we know that losing your first tooth, or any baby tooth for that matter, can be exciting! Your baby tooth may be gone, but in no time you will have a bigger, “grown-up” tooth in its place. So what do you do with the lost tooth? That’s simple…place it under your pillow at night and when you are fast asleep the tooth fairy will come and whisk your tooth away leaving behind a special gift just for you! Here’s a simple craft project we at Graber Orthodontics found a little while back that will help make the tooth fairy’s job a little easier and give your tooth a special place to stay until it is taken away. Please click on the link for instructions and pictures!

Tooth Fairy “Tooth” Box
(remember to ask your parents for help when using hot glue and scissors)

What you will need
--I large empty match box
--Enough felt to wrap the box and inside sliding tray
--Ribbon
--Glue (tacky glue or a hot glue gun)
--Markers
--White, pink and blue (or your favorite color) felt for decorating the matchbox
--Scissors

Step 1: Pull the inner tray out of the box and line the inside with glue and felt as shown. Wrap the outside of the box with felt and glue it in place.

Step 2: Glue ribbon to the outside of the box in a hanging loop shape. Fold another piece of ribbon in half and glue it to the bottom of the inner tray to create a handle for sliding it in and out.

Step 3: Draw a tooth shape on paper, cut it out, and trace it onto the white felt twice. Cut out the teeth and face details.

Step 4: Decorate the teeth with the eyes and cheeks and draw on a mouth. Glue one tooth to the outside of the box.

Step 5: Create a tooth pocket by applying glue to the sides and bottom of the remaining tooth as shown, leaving an opening at the top. Glue the pocket to the inside tray. Once the glue dries, the box is Tooth Fairy-ready. Have your child put the tooth inside the inner pocket and hang it outside their door before your child goes to bed!

Enjoy! From Graber Orthodontics

Chew on This! Information About Your Teeth From Dr. Katie Graber

You know those questions you ponder while sitting at home on your couch but never get a chance to ask a professional? Now here's your chance! Dr. Katie Graber answers some of our unique questions. Have more? Stop by Graber Orthodontics, we'd love to talk teeth with you.

Can fingernail biting cause damage to my teeth? What about lip biting or biting the ends of pencils?

Habits can cause damage to your teeth and other mouth tissues. One of the most dangerous habits is chewing on ice cubes. The density of the ice cube is such that it can chip portions of your tooth structure! Biting pencils or opening items with your teeth (like nail polish or water bottles) can cause chipping the teeth as well.
The mouth is actually the dirtiest area of the body with lots of germs. Lip biting and fingernail biting can spread mouth bacteria to your fingers or face! Teeth are meant for chewing food, speaking, and smiling.

It’s said that the changing seasons can have an effect on your body and joints. Can the seasons changing also have an effect on the way my mouth feels?

The hydration in your mouth is a direct reflection of the hydration in the whole body. If the weather is extreme, (extreme cold or extreme heat,) drink lots of water! The extra water will keep the body hydrated.

Is a soft toothbrush or a medium toothbrush better for my teeth and gums?

The soft toothbrush is always the best toothbrush for natural teeth and gums. Medium and hard bristled toothbrushes are designed for dentures (or fake teeth) and can cause scratches on the gums. Electric toothbrushes, like the Sonicare®, are specially designed to be gentle while cleaning the teeth and gums.

Does alcohol have an effect on the health of my teeth?

Alcohol does not have a direct effect on the health of the teeth but it can cause de-hydration. Remember, saliva carries the proteins than break down the sugars in food. If you are dehydrated, the saliva is not as effective.

If I play sports and use a mouthguard can constantly biting down on the hard rubber eventually cause my teeth to shift and become crooked?

Teeth move with a direct force over a period of time. Depending on the frequency and duration, there is a potential for teeth to move with a mouthguard. If there is a concern, custom mouthguards can be made in the dental (or orthodontic) office. The custom mouthguard is made from a mold of your teeth and will maintain their present alignment.

Sleep or snoring guides have been shown to cause major bite problems. Snoring guides that are worn on the teeth position the jaw further forward actually change the way that the teeth fit together. Because these are worn for hours at a time, usually every night, the tooth and bite change can become a major problem.

Hope this resolves some of your biting questions! And remember, we'd be happy to go over any additional questions you have at Graber Orthodontics.